Street style is my fascination. New York, London, Milan, and Paris always look so chic navigating the streets in their functional fashion.

I’m determined to start a street style movement in my community. My city is, well, um, very casual to put it nicely. In our defense, we live on the bay in the rainiest U.S. city bathed in heat and humidity. It’s not exactly a recipe for fashionable wear. Nothing says style like fabrics that stick to you when you walk.

We dress up for only two occasions — college football games and Mardi Gras balls. Dressing up for church is optional in some circles.

I would like to blame the casualization of society as many fashion commentators have done, but honestly, we were actually fashion forward in the casual wear trend before it became a trend.

I’m creating something that doesn’t exist. It’s exciting and daunting at the same time. So here’s a primer on street style a la Frugal Fashionista:

Street style (n): a form of fashion worn in public that combines fashion forwardness and ready-to-wear to create a functional personal style.

Take that, Webster!

I’m not sure if that’s the official definition. I think it’s close enough. If you type “street style” into a search engine, you get nil. If I’m off base, my New York friends can correct me.

Basically, if Victoria Beckham wears it to the airport, it’s probably street style. I mean, who doesn’t want to look like Victoria Beckham?

No chevron prints (we have a unhealthy love affair that just won’t die)

The photo shoot was the brainchild of fellow fashion lover and photographer Katelyn Ullo of Kate Marie Photography. She pitched the idea of a fashion shoot in downtown. It was a first for us both.

Fashion shoots are hard work. I decided street style should be the theme. I ransacked my closet to find what I had that followed the theme. I purchased a few odds and ends, including a tutu FTW. Adults can wear tulle too, dang it. Some items were recent gifts.

After coordinating each look, I placed each piece of jewelry into plastic bags to avoid tangling. I created lists of all the brands and costs, along with detailed descriptions of each look to avoid leaving something at home.

On the day of the shoot, I changed in the backseat of my tiny Corolla while parked in a public parking lot. There’s little ventilation in the car. Ever changed in the floorboard while sweating? It’s not easy or pleasant. I have much more respect for professional models.

I’m unbelievably modest. There was a loft apartment across the street. Of course, a few young gentlemen were standing on the balcony. I really hope they couldn’t see what was going on from their vantage point. I seriously doubt they read this blog.

I essentially found a top that is a glorified ribbed tee. It adds a nice trendy element to the outfit. Casual with a twist. I can’t convince Mobilians to embrace frilly fabrics when they are used to athletic wear. Baby steps, my friends.

Katelyn says the jewelry looks Victorian. I was enamored with the colors. Sadly, the necklace tangled and broke. My father soldered it back together in time for this shoot. He calls it the necklace from hell. He’s colorful and dramatic like that.

This is The Temple. It even has its own Wikipedia page. It’s one of the many historic buildings downtown.

Here I am hanging onto stuff again. For the record, all the photos involving swinging and hanging were born from my creative mind. I thought maybe it would elongate my leg line and show off the skirt. It worked. I’d buy that skirt again if I didn’t already own it.

I used Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. It’s makeup for your legs. I’m recovering from a mismatched sunburn from July (still) — pale people problems. I used it to even out my skin tone. It has a hint of shimmer. All this to say, my legs look amazing. I have never bragged on my legs before.

This mural is located on the side of an anonymous building. I wanted to give a nod to post-punk 80’s British expression. We saw this painting and knew this is the backdrop we wanted. I wish I had information on the artist. This is all we found:

One Mobile is a non-profit volunteer initiative promoting community improvement and involvement. I’m not sure if they are responsible for the artwork, but it’s lovely.

I started mastering facial expressions by the end of the shoot. I think the venti Starbucks iced coffee finally kicked in after two hours. This is my attempt at smoldering. It’s less conflicted angry face and more pensive analytical face. Definitely an improvement.

Which look did you like best? Comment on this post and let me know why.

Blogger’s note: I received the photo session in exchange for promotion. All other products and places I mentioned did not sponsor this post. I purchased all of items mentioned. I linked the products for your convenience and personal inquiry.